Ever find yourself trying to sound diplomatic or softening your message with a thousand words? Imagine a kid chasing a baseball into a busy street and the dad saying, “Well, you might want to slow down and rethink that son…” as the cars are screeching to a halt. 

I get it—you sometimes use a lot of words because you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. But here’s the reality: More words don’t help. Instead, they can dilute your message and leave people unsure of where you stand. 

When you’re clear and concise, you show respect for people’s time and give them the clarity they need to take action. Being brief doesn’t mean being cold or uncaring. In fact, it’s often the most respectful and effective way to lead.

Who Are You Really Protecting?

Here’s the kicker: when you use more words than necessary, it’s easy to assume you’re protecting the other person from discomfort. In truth you’re protecting yourself from whatever bad things you imagine might come with being clear and concise—being disliked, feeling discomfort, getting criticized, etc.

To be clear (pun intended!), clarity is not about being harsh. It’s about being authentic, honest, and decisive. It’s about showing up with integrity and respect for both yourself and others. Kindness doesn’t need extra words—it just needs truth.

When Less is More: 3 Examples

Example 1: The Decision

Wordy & Vague: “Well, I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and there are a lot of good options. I’m not sure, but I can see how this one could work.”

Concise & Clear: “Let’s go with this option. Here’s why…”

Example 2: The Feedback

Wordy & Vague: “I noticed that we missed the timeline in a few places. There might be a lot of factors influencing this, and maybe there’s a way we can fix it going forward.”

Concise & Clear: “We missed our timeline. Let’s work together to improve time management moving forward.”

Example 3: The Yes or No

Wordy & Vague: “I’m really torn because there’s a lot going on right now, and I want to help, but there’s a lot on my plate, so maybe I can get back to you on this after I check in with a few other things…”

Concise & Clear: “I’m unable to take this on right now. Let’s find another way to make it happen.”

The Practice: “What Did You Hear?”

Here’s a simple and powerful tool: After speaking, ask the person, “What did you hear?” This little practice helps ensure your message landed clearly. 

It also opens up an opportunity for clarification—because let’s be honest, we’ve all experienced those moments when what we said didn’t quite match what was understood. This practice encourages connection and ensures you’re both on the same page.

7 Amare Ways to Communicate Better with Fewer Words

1. Identify your core message. Before speaking or writing, take a moment to identify the key message you need to convey. Write down the one thing you want the other person to understand or act on.

2. Eliminate qualifiers. Stop softening your message with qualifiers like “I think,” “maybe,” or “possibly.” Replace them with more direct language. For example, instead of saying, “Maybe we should consider doing this,” say, “We will do this.”

3. Cut out unnecessary words. Review your communication and remove anything that doesn’t add value. Shorten your sentences and get straight to the point. Challenge yourself to deliver the same message in fewer words.

4. Practice saying “no” concisely. Get comfortable with saying “no” without over-explaining or justifying. You don’t need to apologize or offer an excuse. Simply say, “No. This doesn’t align with my current priorities.” The more you practice, the easier it gets.

5. Pause before responding. When engaging in conversation or meetings, pause before responding. This gives you time to gather your thoughts and decide what you want to say. This pause can help you avoid rambling and deliver a more concise, powerful response.

6. Clarify and summarize. After giving your message, follow up with a quick summary to ensure everyone is on the same page. For instance, “To be clear, our decision is to focus on X.” This reinforces your message without over-explaining.

7. Reaffirm your commitment to conciseness. At the beginning of each day or meeting, remind yourself, “I will prioritize clarity in my communication today.”

Communicating Like a Leader

Using fewer words doesn’t mean you’re being less compassionate. When you’re concise, you respect others enough to get to the point, which builds trust and fosters a culture of respect. 

There is nothing kind or compassionate in ambiguity. Clarity shows confidence in your message and helps others align with your vision. You can be kind, compassionate, and connected—and be clear and concise at the same time.

Coaching Invitation

If you’re looking to refine your communication and learn how to be clear without losing connection, I’m here to help. Reach out when you’re ready to take your leadership communication to the next level.

Today’s Amare Wave Wednesday Quote

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” 

— Leonardo da Vinci

Click here and read more Amare Wave Wednesday newsletters on related topics:

Interconnectivity: A Leadership Masterclass in One Word

Is there Kryptonite in Your Superpower? A Leader’s Guide to Recognizing and Resolving Blind Spots

Your Words Have Power: Embracing Modern Leadership Language

How to Navigate Strong Emotions To Not Derail Your Core Commitments: A Leader’s 5 Step Guide

No Secrets: How Transparency Empowers Highly Successful Leadership